There are so many great Reykjavik cafés. Almost all of them, however, are located in the city center. The thing is that If somebody has the bright idea to open up a nice café in a residential area, they are almost always rejected by the neighbors of the proposed establishment. People seem to worry that that trendy cafés or bistros might bring some apocalypse to their neighborhood. Maybe they are right. Hipsters in redecorated corner shop selling vegan burgers, craft beer and lattes might be plotting to start meth-fuelled gang warfare. But there is at least one perfect Reykjavik café outside of the city center.

Take a dip

Thankfully and miraculously, this has not been the case in the posh west end of Reykjavik. In 2014, the trendy Kaffhúsi Vesturbæjar, or Kaffi Vest, opened its doors. And the neighborhood is still standing and getting more expensive. Just like it has been doing since the dawn of time. Kaffi Vest is right next to the great Vesturbær swimming pool and hot tubs. Next door is the fantastic Brauð & Co bakery. Across the road is another Icon of gentrification, the vegan-friendly burger takeaway joint Hagavagninn. I remember when a grumpy old guy ran a dodgy fast shoop joint there and growled at his punters not to damage the plastic furniture (?). But things have changed kids. You don’t know how good you have it.

Free road trip plans with maps

Day-by-day plans for the four drives most people take, each on an interactive map with where to sleep, fuel stops, waterfalls and reader discounts along the way. Built for a relaxed pace, not a race.

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Map of hot springs, spas and pools

Every lagoon, wild hot spring and town pool in Iceland on one map. Find warm water near you, and see which spas give my readers a discount.

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Coffee and kleina. Simply Icelandic.

Stroll along the sea

If you are in the mood for taking a nice walk before you enjoy a coffee or something sweet at Kaffi Vest I recommend taking a stroll on the seaside just south of Kaffi Vest. Pavement or biking trail along the beach will give you a lovely view of the ocean to the south. Dress warm as it can get brisk there. I live on the east side of town and enjoy cycling along the beach to Kaffi Vest. I can sit, enjoy my coffee and have something sinfully sweet before I continue on many of my cycling trips around Reykjavik. The selection of food, the quality of coffee, music played from a turntable, and fast Wi-Fi makes Kaffi Vest the perfect stop.

The best vegan burger in Reykjavik?

But I keep talking about Kaffi Vest like it is only a café, it is also a charming bistro, and it has craft beer. So for dinner, I recommend getting a big Einstök Pale Ale and the vegan burger. It is just so freaking good. If that is not your thing, the menu has a lot of posh noshes and a lot of different great wine to choose from.

How to find Kaffi Vest